BEVERLY HILLS, September 05, (THEWILL) – As controversy rages over the allegations against Senator Ali Modu Sheriff and Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd) by Australian hostage negotiator, Dr. Steven Davis, on Boko Haram sponsorship, the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Friday disclosed that it would send nothing less than 50 lawyers to the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague, Switzerland, for the trial of both Sherrif and Ihejirika if the Federal Government fails to act on the matter within 21 days.
Issuing the 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to act on the matter at a media briefing in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, the chairman of Maiduguri branch of NBA, Abdulwasiu Alfa, said the association had assembled more than 50 lawyers who have volunteered to go to ICC to prosecute the case.
“If the Nigerian Government fails to thoroughly investigate the duo of Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff and Rtd. Gen. Ihejirika, we shall mobilise our knowledge, skills and resources to initiate or commence criminal proceedings before the ICC for the heinous crimes committed against humanity by the sect and their sponsors.
“No Nigerian is above the law as justice must not only be seen to be done but must be manifestly seen to be done. Let me assure the good people of Borno State that the NBA Maiduguri branch will stand firmly and solidly behind them to ensure that those who made orphans and widows of us are sent to where they belong, ” Alfa stated.
He warned that the association will initiate criminal proceedings before the ICC against the duo if the Federal Government fails to act within 21 days.
“The Federal Government should act now. If it fails, we shall, after 21 days from today, give effect to our undertaking to initiate criminal proceedings before the office of the chief prosecutor of ICC to investigate these allegations. We strongly believe only a court can declare a person innocent or guilty. This can only be done when such person is properly investigated and possibly arraigned before a court,” he said.
While calling on all relevant security agencies and stakeholders to as a matter of urgency beam their searchlight on Sheriff Ihejirika, Alfa said: “The NBA believes the mention of the duo was not a co-incidence considering the robust relationship between them. If anything, the revelation by Mr. Davis has confirmed the long conclusion by Nigerians involvement of Sen. Sheriff as the sponsor, facilitator and mastermind of Boko Haram sect.
“Little wonder, that only recently he was at the Presidential Villa to intimate the Presidency on how to end the insurgency. This is not only a corroboration of Mr. Davis revelation but an indirect admission of culpability.”
He added: “What men do in the cover of night surely come to light? The revelation of Mr. Davis is just the beginning. The Federal Government should act now. If it fails, we shall, after 21 days from today (Friday), give effect to our undertaking to initiate criminal proceedings before the office of the chief prosecutor of ICC to investigate these allegations.
“We strongly believe only a court can declare a person innocent or guilty. This can only be done when such person is properly investigated and possibly arraigned before a court. Already, more than 50 private lawyers have volunteered their services pro bono in support of this noble cause. We are confident, the Federal Government and relevant and relevant security agencies will act now.”
The NBA chairman however praised the Federal Government for the zeal with which it fought the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), saying such zeal should also be extended to the terror war in the country.
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